Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Cybersecurity
A Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity is an undergraduate program that prepares students to protect digital systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. These four-year programs combine technical training in areas like network defense, ethical hacking, information assurance, and digital forensics with a foundation in computer science, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Graduates are equipped to pursue high-demand roles such as cybersecurity analyst, information security specialist, or security operations center (SOC) technician.
Pursuing a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree, especially online, offers flexibility for working adults, career changers, or students needing a remote learning option. This degree is ideal for anyone looking to enter one of the fastest-growing fields in the country, with strong job security, competitive salaries, and advancement opportunities.
When searching for the best online bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity, it’s important to look for programs that offer academic quality, hands-on training, and industry relevance. Top cybersecurity programs are offered by accredited institutions with strong computer science or IT departments. Many include online labs, virtual simulations, and real-world projects to prepare students for today’s digital security challenges.
Do consider institutions that provide opportunities for networking, internships, or connections with industry professionals. A strong curriculum should include, but not be limited to, network security, ethical hacking, and incident response.
It’s also helpful to understand how a Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity differs from a Bachelor’s in Computer Science with a Cybersecurity concentration. While both prepare students for careers in digital security, a cybersecurity degree focuses more narrowly on security tools, policy, and defensive strategies, whereas a computer science degree with a cybersecurity track includes those topics along with broader training in software development, algorithms, and systems design. Students who want a more technical or versatile computing background may prefer the computer science route, while those focused exclusively on information security may benefit from a dedicated cybersecurity degree.
Explore our curated list below to find the top online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programs that can help you launch or advance your career in this rapidly evolving field.
2025 Best Bachelor's Degrees in Cybersecurity
#1
Florida International University
Cybersecurity, BS
- 120 semester credit hours | Multiple Cybersecurity Concentrations | No specific SAT or ACT requirement mentioned
#2
New Mexico State University
Cybersecurity, BS
- 120 credit hours | Accredited by HLC | No SAT or ACT Required
#3
University of Massachusetts
Cybersecurity, BS
- Comprehensive academic perspective | Information technology policy | No SAT or ACT required
#4
University of South Florida
Cybersecurity, BS
- Technical foundation | Cyber operations | No specific mention
#5
University of West Florida
Cybersecurity, BS
- ABET Accredited | 120 Semester Hours | No SAT or ACT Required
Want to know how we came up with our rankings? Take a look at our methodology!
Who Should Get a Cybersecurity Bachelor's Degree?
System Management Professionals
If you’re passionate about technology, security, and protecting digital infrastructure, earning an online Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity can be a powerful next step for those interested in system management. This degree prepares you with the technical expertise and analytical skills needed to defend networks, manage system vulnerabilities, and respond to security threats in real time.
It’s an ideal path for detail-oriented individuals who enjoy working with complex systems and solving problems under pressure. The curriculum emphasizes skills that are not only teachable but essential for success in today’s evolving cybersecurity landscape.
People Interested in Ethical Hacking
As the demand for cybersecurity professionals grows, so does the need for experts in ethical hacking (those who can think like attackers to protect systems from real-world threats). An online Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity is particularly well-suited for individuals pursuing this career path, offering the foundational knowledge and technical skills required for penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and secure network design. With a strong emphasis on ethical hacking, data protection, and digital forensics, this degree prepares you to be a vital player in the fight against cybercrime, equipping you to secure the digital world from the inside out.
Admissions Requirements
To apply for an online Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity, you will typically need to meet the following general admissions requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Minimum GPA (varies by school), with particularly strong grades in math and science coursework
- Standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, may be required by some institutions
- A personal statement or essay can help to show why you are interested in the field
- Teachers or tech professionals you have worked with may also be able to provide letters of recommendation that can help to make your application stronger
- Some schools may consider relevant experience, such as internships or tech clubs
All in all, showing the admissions committee that you are really interested in cybersecurity and are willing to see your education through will help to make your application successful.
Online Bachelor's In Cybersecurity Curriculum
The curriculum for an online Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity typically begins with foundational courses in computer science, covering programming, algorithms, data structures, and operating systems to build a strong technical base.
As you progress, you’ll explore specialized topics like network security, ethical hacking, and cryptography where you’ll learn how to detect threats, secure systems, and prevent attacks. Many programs include hands-on labs, simulations, and capstone projects that mirror real-world cybersecurity scenarios.
You’ll also study digital forensics, cloud security, and secure software development, along with key areas like cybersecurity law, risk management, and incident response. This blend of technical training and strategic insight prepares you to defend against today’s most pressing cyber threats, while giving you the practical skills employers look for in security professionals.
This educational foundation is ideal if you eventually wish to pursue graduate cybersecurity coursework, such as the Master’s in Cybersecurity, the MBA in Cybersecurity, or even the PhD in Cybersecurity.